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The Basics About Bird Feeders

Feeding the birds is one of the fastest growing hobbies around, with millions of people learning how easy and satisfying it can be. A new bird enthusiast in Minnesota is in good company since it is estimated that almost 2 million Minnesotans feed the birds each year. There are around 65 different species of birds that frequent our area, and one of the best ways to attract them to your property is to put out bird feeders.

When shopping for bird feeders, the choices can be very confusing; generally, feeders can be grouped as platform/tray, hopper and suet types. Most types of feeders are available either as hanging, window mount, wall mount, tree mount, pole mount or free-standing.

Hopper feeders are feeders that hold extra feed that is supplied to the feeding stations by gravity, with the extra seed protected from the weather. They come in a variety of configurations, ranging from tubes to double-sided wooden feeders. Hoppers are great feeders because they hold so much feed and keep it dry, however they do have a disadvantage. When you fill hopper feeders with a mixed seed, the birds pick through the mix for what they prefer, throwing the rest on the ground. You can minimize this by using a mix that reflects their tastes or using separate feeders for different kinds of feed. A wide variety of birds will come to hopper feeders, depending on the feed used. Most birds will come to a hopper filled with mixed seed that is placed just off the ground. Hanging a feeder high attracts blue jays, grosbeaks, siskins and finches.

Platform or tray type feeders are basically shallow dishes and are great for attracting a wide variety of birds and other creatures. If possible, choose a platform feeder that has a roof to protect the seed. Platform or tray feeders with roofs are often referred to as fly-through feeders. When placed on (or near) the ground, platform feeders will attract lots of desirable birds including chickadees, junco, doves, woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals and the occasional thrush. Platform feeders mounted high will attract almost all types of birds.

Suet feeders are usually made of wire or mesh to keep the suet together while the birds feed. Suet feeders are a great way to provide the nutrition many birds need during the winter. Mounted either as a hanging feeder or on a tree trunk, suet will attract woodpeckers, flickers, nuthatches and sapsuckers.

Thistle is a very fine, thin seed that finches and other small birds love. A thistle feeder is constructed with narrow slits as feeding ports that allow small birds access to the food while keeping out larger birds. Thistle feeders come in various styles.

Metal feeder parts may cause problems when they come in contact with parts of the birds that are not protected by feathers. Be sure metal openings are wide enough to comfortably accommodate the bird's head. Metal perches usually are not a problem, but wrapping them with tape is a good precaution. If your suet feeders are not made of coated wire, be sure they are well covered with grease before you put them out in winter.

Pests at Your Bird Feeders

Feeder placement
There are no rules regarding where to put bird feeders, but there are several easy steps you can take to encourage birds to come to your yard.
Some birds like to eat at ground level, while others prefer to be 4-5 feet off the ground. To attract a wide variety of birds, use several types of feeders and fill them with more than one kind of food. Most birds prefer to feed in a protected location, with trees and shrubs around them. It makes them feel safe from predators. Spreading feeders around helps with birds that are territorial. Placing a feeder in a sheltered spot will help insure it will be used no matter what the weather. Remember, some birds are shy and would prefer a feeder located away from the house.

Sparrows and Starlings
There are some birds that are simply a nuisance, such as house sparrows and starlings. House sparrows prefer to eat from the ground. Providing inexpensive feed (bread, cracked corn and wheat) on the ground in an area away from other feeders may solve the problem. Unfortunately, starlings are not as easily distracted. Starlings can be excluded from suet feeders by using those designed to offer the food from beneath (starlings will not feed upside-down like woodpeckers and nuthatches). They like table scraps and dog food and do not like hard shell seeds, which makes it easier to control where they eat.

Squirrels and Raccoons at Feeders
It would be hard to find two more intelligent and determined animals than squirrels or raccoons trying to eat at your bird feed. At first, you might think these pests are cute, but they quickly become destructive and keep birds from feeding. There are several baffles on the market to help you deal with these pests. Try to locate feeders at least 5 feet off the ground and well away from any trees or structures. Baffles can be placed either on a hanger or a pole. Squirrels love corn, and you may be able to distract them by providing whole corn or ear corn away from the feeders. Please contact your local DNR office for more information about live-trapping and releasing these problem animals.

Cats
House cats can easily scare birds away from feeding in your yard. If you have cats, place your feeders away from structures or branches that would provide cats with a place from which to pounce. Placing a collar on your cat with a bell may give the birds an extra warning, but is unlikely to change a cat's behavior.

Bachman's offers a wide selection of bird feeders, bird feeds, books and supplies. If you do not see what you are looking for, please ask and we will be glad to try to get it for you. For more information on bird feeds, consult our information sheet entitled Bird Feed Basics. For more information on what food will attract which birds, consult the list Minnesota Birds. An excellent book on the subject written from a local perspective is entitled Wild About Birds by Carroll Henderson from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.